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New York Knicks: Stephen A. Smith Apologizes to Carmelo Anthony

By Maurice Moton

Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Television personality Stephen A. Smith before game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Television personality Stephen A. Smith before game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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ESPN First Take personality went on air to apologize to New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony for his strong views last week. What changed his mind?

ESPN First Take commentator Stephen A. Smith rarely backs down on his opinions. On Monday, he retracted his strong assessment concerning New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony’s quote to ESPN reporter Marc Stein about looking back on his career.

Here’s what Anthony said to Stein:

"Most athletes don’t have an opportunity to say that they won a gold medal, better yet three gold medals. I would be very happy walking away from the game knowing that I’ve given the game everything I have, knowing I played on a high level at every level: high school, college, won [a championship at Syracuse] in college and possibly three gold medals.I can look back on it when my career is over — if I don’t have an NBA championship ring — and say I had a great career."

Anthony’s quotes prompted Smith to respond with vitriol on First Take:

After conversing with Anthony privately, Smith went on air to apologize. He admitted to taking the wrong angle on the quotes to Stein. He also mentioned his misstep in not calling the Knicks’ forward before going on air:

For all media pundits, writers and commentators, Smith’s haste to spew venom should be a lesson to all. Read the entire interview before passing judgment on an isolated quote.

As pointed out last week, it’s clear Anthony still holds the desire to bring an NBA title to New York City. However, Smith and other critics chose to ignore the entirety of Stein’s interview:

"Of course, because we play in the NBA that’s always the goal: to win an NBA championship. But every year [there’s] a new champion, so you have an opportunity to compete for a championship every year. This is every four years."

As a high-profile player, who hasn’t been to an NBA Finals, it’s very easy to pick on Anthony for his comments. Smith fessed up to his poor judgment on air. His brashness turned into humility when realizing he went off the handle at someone, who’s easily accessible. In fairness, it takes accountability to own your miscues and Smith did so on his biggest platform.

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Since Smith and Anthony communicate regularly, it’s probably water under the bridge. Nonetheless, make no mistake about it, Anthony will return with same hunger to win as shown in previous years.

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